The Guardian claim that Brendan Rodgers is looking to beat Chelsea to the signing of defender Micah Richards.

The 26 year old England international is currently on loan at Fiorentina but keen on a permanent Premier League switch and could be seen by Rodgers as an ideal replacement for Glen Johnson, who is also set to see his contract expire at the end of the current campaign.

Liverpool are also keeping a close eye on utility man James Milner with the Anfield side leading the chase to sign the 29 year old according to Goal.com.

Unlike with Richards, Man City are keen to retain Milner and hope that their offer of a £90k a week deal will be accepted by the versatile Etihad Stadium star.

Liverpool’s Interest in Milner has picked up since Steven Gerrard revealed his intention to leave in the summer and a move to the Merseyside club would offer the former Leeds United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa man more regular first team action.

Milner has started half of Man City’s 20 Premier League fixtures this term but does appear to be looking to remain at the Premier League title holders, stating recently;

“I hope it will be sorted. We’re still in talks. I’m waiting for the club to come back and hopefully they will soon,” Milner said last month.

“But the main thing is to concentrate on football, there are so many games coming up.

“If I’m not doing my job on the field because of off-the-field stuff then that’s no good. So I let others take care of it and I just concentrate on football.”